Litterbugs in Varanasi may now face fines of up to Rs 1 lakh

We can all make a difference by at the very least picking up trash and other debris around us and better yet, by not dumping it in the first place.

The Varanasi Nagar Nigam has acted swiftly and announced penalties for dumping waste on streets after responding to reports of Varanasi's streets being littered with garbage and raising health concerns in the city.

A fine of Rs 10,000 would be imposed on any person or agency, government or private, found throwing trash at a public place, according to a provision made by the National Green Tribunal back in 2016.

The Varanasi Nagar Nigam has announced that those found guilty of dumping trash on the streets will be hit with fines, starting at Rs 500 each, as part of its plan to stop littering on the streets. The civic body further said the fines may go up to as far as Rs 1,00,000 for repeat offenders.

Pranay Singh, the Varanasi Municipal Commissioner, stated that CCTV cameras will increase street surveillance and that anyone caught littering will face penalties.

"CCTV cameras placed all over Varanasi would record garbage dumps. The offenders will be identified, and financial penalties will be imposed. Violators will first receive warnings and if they still do not mend their ways, fines of between Rs. 500 and Rs. 1 lakh will be imposed. Besides that, those who abandon medical waste on the streets will face severe penalties, according to the municipal commissioner.

For residents to report the dumping of waste, the civic body has also established a toll-free number, 1533. The municipal corporation will entertain the complaints filed on WhatsApp as well.

Varanasi Today's Take:

Along with the need for cultural change, local bodies must also carry out their duties, which include regularly collecting garbage and emptying public trash cans before they overflow.

Businesses and other organisations must also get involved, clean up their communities and make a concerted effort to persuade their customers not to discard packaging and other materials on the streets or public places. Better yet, they should offer them some enticing incentives to refrain from littering.